Women Making Moves

<p>The Future of Working Motherhood: Flexibility, Ambition, and Real Support After Maternity Leave</p><p>Amy Pons hosts Alexa Starks, maternity leave coach and founder of Executive Moms, to discuss reshaping maternity leave and return-to-work experiences and the findings from Executive Moms’ Future of Working Motherhood 2026 report. </p><p>They reflect on the need to deconstruct harmful workplace systems, the lack of support for mothers returning from leave, and how simple supports like mentorship can improve retention. </p><p>Alexa shares key data: 40% of women leave their job within a year of returning from maternity leave, yet 97% would stay if truly supported; the report also found no “ambition gap,” with mothers reporting equal or greater ambition after having kids. A major takeaway was that flexible work design (remote/hybrid/part-time) mattered more than longer leave. Alexa also previews a TED Talk in Rotterdam and the launch of Mothered Magazine.</p><p>01:09 Coaching and Paradigm Shift</p><p>03:02 Aha Moments in Corporate</p><p>05:22 Maternity Return Support Systems</p><p>06:48 Report Findings and Retention Stats</p><p>09:02 Ambition Gap Myth Debunked</p><p>11:43 Burnout and Hands On Work</p><p>13:54 Workplace Bullying and Boundaries</p><p>15:20 Surprising Data on Flexibility</p><p>16:56 Flexibility Tops Requests</p><p>17:15 Ambition And The 97 Percent</p><p>17:52 Survey Logistics And Reach</p><p>18:34 Return To Office Pushback</p><p>20:51 Why Leaders Cling To Control</p><p>22:42 TED Talk And Moving Abroad</p><p>25:04 Launching Mothered Magazine</p><p>27:04 Super Bowl Holiday Hypocrisy</p><p>28:46 Advice For The 97 And 40</p><p>31:06 Where To Find The Report</p><p>31:32 Feminine Strength Closing</p><p>Find the 2026 'Future of Working Motherhood' report along with key updates from Executive Moms <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.executivemoms.co/">here</a>, and follow Alexa on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexastarks/">LinkedIn</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/">Instagram</a>. </p><p>Thank you for tuning in to Women Making Moves, be sure to rate and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform and follow along on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/women_making_moves_?igsh=ZWVqdmhxbmdjc2d0&amp;utm_source=qr">Instagram</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bsky.app/profile/womenmakingmoves.bsky.social">Bluesky.</a> Visit Amy at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://unlockthemagic.org/">Unlock the Magic</a>, and follow on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/unlockthemagic_/profilecard/?igsh=MTVjNm0zY2t5NGVlMg==">Instagram</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://linkedin.com/in/amyponsismagic">LinkedIn</a>.</p><p><em>Women Making Moves is for personal use only and general information purposes, the show host cannot guarantee the accuracy of any statements from guests or the sufficiency of the information. This show and host is not liable for any personal actions taken.</em></p>

<p>What Stability Really Requires: Breana Grayson on Bipolar Disorder, Stigma, and Support at Work</p><p>Amy Pons hosts Women Making Moves and interviews writer Breana Grayson about living with bipolar disorder, what “stability really requires,” and the stigma and misunderstandings that still surround bipolar (“one of the ‘scary ones’”). </p><p>Breana explains that medication is essential for her but not sufficient; stability also involves therapy, psychiatric care, consistent sleep, exercise, diet, and enjoyable practices like writing, guitar, and “therapy based kind of yoga,” and she defines stability as moving through life without derailing relationships or work. </p><p>They discuss how menstrual cycles can affect symptoms, Breana’s use of cycle tracking and astrology to document patterns, and her diagnosis process at 25 through an intensive outpatient program after work and relationship difficulties. Brianna argues remote and flexible work are not favors but protect productivity, and she advocates proactive workplace support, education, and community so people don’t handle bipolar alone.</p><p>00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro</p><p>00:47 Stability and Root Chakra</p><p>01:22 Bipolar Stability Routine</p><p>02:22 Redefining Normal</p><p>03:46 Yoga and Creative Coping</p><p>04:33 Bipolar Stigma Myths</p><p>05:46 Cycles Hormones Astrology</p><p>08:51 Sharing Her Story at 26</p><p>09:23 Diagnosis at 25</p><p>10:32 Screening and Medication Risks</p><p>11:58 Childhood Signs and School Support</p><p>14:58 Remote Work as Accommodation</p><p>17:51 Workplace Support Strategies</p><p>20:37 Mental Health Across Generations</p><p>25:21 Advice Find Community</p><p>27:04 Where to Follow and Closing</p>

<p>Dr. Nelva Lee on School Choice, Vocational Pathways, and Housing Solutions in Georgia</p><p>Host Amy Pons welcomes Dr. Nelva Lee—healthcare and academic leader, former board appointee, author, and Georgia Superintendent of Schools candidate—who discusses the bleak realities of healthcare and education and her focus on solutions. </p><p>Lee describes Concrete Build Financing, a crypto company backed by real estate aimed at countering private equity’s rent hikes by converting commercial multifamily properties into rent-to-own condos to promote stability, equity, and dignity. In education, she advocates expanding Georgia’s Promise Scholarship Act so more families—including homeschool and private-school families—can access broader learning environments, and she proposes every student graduate with both a diploma and a trade certificate. </p><p>She cites post-COVID learning gaps, top-heavy education budgets, low reading and math proficiency rates, and calls for basics like phonics, targeted resources, and holding back non-readers by second grade. She also critiques HOPE Scholarship “bait and switch,” urging lower maintenance requirements and a college “star system,” and encourages limiting news, cultivating hope, and volunteering.</p><p>00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro</p><p>01:13 Healthcare and Maternal Gaps</p><p>02:59 Crypto Real Estate Housing Plan</p><p>06:31 School Run and Voucher Expansion</p><p>10:36 COVID Learning Loss and Resources</p><p>15:25 Vocational Skills Over College</p><p>22:21 Hope Scholarship Reform Ideas</p><p>27:19 Hopeful Action and Volunteering</p><p>31:59 Where to Find Dr Lee</p><p>32:23 Final Thanks and Wrap Up</p><p>Find all of Dr. Nelva's work on her <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://DrNelvaLee.com">website</a> and follow along with her campaign!</p><p>Thank you for tuning in to Women Making Moves, be sure to rate and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform and follow along on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/women_making_moves_?igsh=ZWVqdmhxbmdjc2d0&amp;utm_source=qr">Instagram</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bsky.app/profile/womenmakingmoves.bsky.social">Bluesky.</a> Visit Amy at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://unlockthemagic.org/">Unlock the Magic</a>, and follow on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/unlockthemagic_/profilecard/?igsh=MTVjNm0zY2t5NGVlMg==">Instagram</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://linkedin.com/in/amyponsismagic">LinkedIn</a>.</p><p><em>Women Making Moves is for personal use only and general information purposes, the show host cannot guarantee the accuracy of any statements from guests or the sufficiency of the information. This show and host is not liable for any personal actions taken.</em></p>

<p>Isvari Maranwe on Impact-Focused Activism, Citizen Journalism, and Rebuilding Social Media</p><p>Amy Pons, founder of Unlock the Magic, interviews Isvari Maranwe—Silicon Valley–raised tech leader and Georgetown-educated cybersecurity attorney—now based in London. </p><p>Isvari is CEO and founder of YuVoice, a new social media company designed to reward users for tangible impact rather than a follower-driven influencer model, and CEO of The Sentinel by YuVoice, a nonprofit, ad-free, non-paywalled citizen journalism platform building an all-volunteer global press corps. </p><p>They discuss the tension between professional success and the emotional toll of social justice work, the importance of boundaries, and prioritizing empowering people who want to make a difference over trying to convince those who won’t. Isvari shares her view that only about 1% of people truly shape society for good, making it critical to change social defaults and focus energy where it creates measurable impact. </p><p>Isvari explains that YuVoice has closed a $1 million angel round and will launch in phases with nonprofit partners, focusing on “anti addictive algorithms” and mentally healthy design. The Sentinel’s mission is to break global news through local perspectives: </p><p>“We believe that everybody can tell their story the best.” They critique for-profit media incentives and argue, “media needs to be a nonprofit.” </p><p>02:22 What’s on Your Heart: Success, Privilege &amp; Staying Resourced</p><p>03:54 Stop Convincing the Unmoved: Empower the 1% Who Shape Society</p><p>06:35 From Righteous Rage to Real Impact (and Posting with Intention)</p><p>13:00 Why Outrage Doesn’t Translate to Action (and What Might)</p><p>18:32 What Happens When No One Wants the Baton? Work, Power &amp; Consolidation</p><p>22:38 Global South activism &amp; the myth that “they can’t modernize”</p><p>28:19 Borders, stolen land &amp; rethinking indigeneity and migration</p><p>30:46 What is YuVoice? Building a healthier, impact-rewarding social platform</p><p>32:24 The Sentinel: citizen journalism, no ads, no paywalls, global perspectives</p><p>37:21 Escaping doomscrolling: joy, community, boundaries &amp; anti-addictive tech</p><p>40:34 Where to follow, platform burnout &amp; final call to find your purpose</p><p>Follow Isvari on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://linkedin.com/in/isvari">LinkedIn</a>, check out <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://sentinel.yuvoice.org">The Sentinel</a>, and follow along with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://yuvoice.com">YuVoice</a>!</p><p>Thank you for tuning in to Women Making Moves, be sure to rate and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform and follow along on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/women_making_moves_?igsh=ZWVqdmhxbmdjc2d0&amp;utm_source=qr">Instagram</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bsky.app/profile/womenmakingmoves.bsky.social">Bluesky.</a> Visit Amy at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://unlockthemagic.org/">Unlock the Magic</a>, and follow on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/unlockthemagic_/profilecard/?igsh=MTVjNm0zY2t5NGVlMg==">Instagram</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://linkedin.com/in/amyponsismagic">LinkedIn</a>.</p><p><em>Women Making Moves is for personal use only and general information purposes, the show host cannot guarantee the accuracy of any statements from guests or the sufficiency of the information. This show and host is not liable for any personal actions taken.</em></p>

<p>Exploring Change and Manifestation with Megan Senese</p><p>In this episode of Women Making Moves, host Amy Pons talks to Megan Senese, co-founder of Stage, a women-owned business development and marketing boutique. Megan shares her journey from leaving a high-paying law job to starting her own company with just $3,000. </p><p>Megan also discusses her experience with manifestation, using a 'want circle' to visualize her goals, and emphasizes the importance of aligning personal energy with desires to manifest intentions effectively. </p><p>Furthermore, the episode touches on the challenges and systemic issues faced by lawyers and nurses, and the significance of maintaining one's well-being. The conversation concludes with Megan highlighting Stage's focus on creating authentic, balanced, and meaningful connections for lawyers looking to develop their business sustainably.</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Women Making Moves</p><p>00:19 Meet Megan Senese: From Big Law to Boutique Business</p><p>00:48 Texas Bar Association Changes</p><p>01:35 Megan's Career Journey and Personal Growth</p><p>03:58 The Power of Manifestation</p><p>04:45 The 'I Want' Circle Exercise</p><p>07:38 Aligning Goals with Personal Truth</p><p>12:50 Challenges in the Legal and Healthcare Systems</p><p>15:47 Creating a Balanced Life and Career</p><p>20:35 The Role of Energy and Intuition</p><p>23:50 Stage's 2026 Vision and Values</p><p>27:28 Supporting Lawyers and Legal Marketers</p><p>29:45 Closing Thoughts on Magic and Manifestation</p><p>Find Megan on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/megansenese/">LinkedIn</a> and through her podcast, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-much-to-say-a-legal-podcast-for-people/id1785694022">"So Much to Say".</a></p><p>Thank you for tuning in to Women Making Moves, be sure to rate and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform and follow along on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/women_making_moves_?igsh=ZWVqdmhxbmdjc2d0&amp;utm_source=qr">Instagram</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bsky.app/profile/womenmakingmoves.bsky.social">Bluesky.</a> Visit Amy at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://unlockthemagic.org/">Unlock the Magic</a>, and follow on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/unlockthemagic_/profilecard/?igsh=MTVjNm0zY2t5NGVlMg==">Instagram</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://linkedin.com/in/amyponsismagic">LinkedIn</a>. </p><p><em>Women Making Moves is for personal use only and general information purposes, the show host cannot guarantee the accuracy of any statements from guests or the sufficiency of the information. This show and host is not liable for any personal actions taken.</em></p>